Haasan, whose films have had a political hue since the 1980s, said his party’s priorities will be to “defend freedom of speech, and maintain and safeguard the diversity and multi-religious quality of the nation”.

“My decision (to get into politics) was accelerated by what is going on in the country but especially in my state,” the actor said during the interview in Mumbai.

“I wanted to challenge the status quo. And I am not inventing this decorum of centrism. We had it, and I want to regain it.”

Haasan, who also produces, directs and sings in many of his movies has appeared in films across several Indian languages -- Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi — making him a truly nationwide star.

He has picked up a number of awards throughout a glittering career including the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, and was made a Chevalier of France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Some of his most notable movies include “Vikram”, “Mahanadi” (The Great River), and “Nayakan” (The Hero).